Mechanical Engineering Expert Witness
Contact this Expert Witness
- Phone: (217) 493-7131
Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness
General Specialties:
Mechanical Engineering and Equipment & MachineryKeywords/Search Terms:
Mining Equipment, Construction Equipment, Heavy Equipment, Off-Highway Trucks, Large Mining Trucks, Hydraulic Systems, Exhaust Systems, Structural Analysis, Fatigue Failure, Bolted Joint Failure, Finite Element Analysis, Machinery Accident, Equipment Fire, Product Defect, Catastrophic Failure, Loss of ControlEducation:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignYears in Practice:
11Additional Information
Eric Defend is a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) with extensive experience in the design, testing, and analysis of large construction and mining equipment. At Caterpillar Inc., he has led engineering projects addressing critical safety, reliability, and performance issues in hydraulic, intake/exhaust, cooling, and structural systems for off-highway and large mining trucks. Mr. Defend specializes in identifying the root cause of complex mechanical failures, including those related to catastrophic breakdowns, warranty disputes, and safety incidents. His work has included conducting detailed failure analyses, overseeing prototype testing, leading design reviews for high-risk issues, and resolving major product reliability concerns. He has provided clear, data-driven findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders, making him adept at explaining complex engineering principles in plain language. Areas of Expertise • Heavy equipment design and failure analysis (construction & mining trucks) • Hydraulic, intake/exhaust, and cooling systems: design, installation, and root-cause failure investigation • Structural, fatigue, and bolted joint analysis • Finite element analysis (FEA) and load/stress evaluation • Geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) interpretation and application • Product safety, reliability, and warranty claims investigation • Accident and incident analysis involving mechanical systems Services • Expert witness testimony in mechanical engineering and heavy equipment cases • Forensic failure analysis and accident investigation • Product liability, defect, and warranty claim evaluations • Root-cause investigations of hydraulic, intake/exhaust, cooling, and structural system failures • Technical report preparation and demonstrative exhibits for litigation support Education & Credentials • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with Honors, 2014 • Professional Engineer (P.E.), Illinois, License No. 062071993 (since 2020) Available nationwide; PE registration by comity in most states.